The nation will come together today to mark the first ever
National Day for Victims
and Survivors of Terrorism.
The day will focus on remembering and recognising those impacted
by terrorism, supporting victims and survivors to get access to
the help they need to rebuild their lives, and amplifying their
stories.
A ceremony, held in Central London later today to mark the day,
will bring together hundreds of victims, survivors, bereaved
families, emergency responders and government representatives.
A 2-minute silence will be observed at the ceremony to remember
those lost to and affected by terrorism. The National Day
provides an opportunity for people across the country to reflect
and commemorate those whose lives have been changed forever by
terrorism.
The new National Day, to be observed annually on 21 August,
follows years of campaigning from victims and survivors for
better recognition and to raise awareness of the impacts of
terrorism.
Prime Minister, Andy , said:
I am proud that we now have a national day to honour victims and
survivors of terrorism.
There is something remarkable about how we come together as a
country in those darkest moments. As time passes, most people go
back to their lives, but for those who lived through the trauma,
there is no return to normality.
Today matters because it says you are not alone. You have not
been forgotten. This is a moment to remember the loved ones lost
and anyone who has survived the very worst of humanity.
Security Minister, , said:
I am proud to stand with victims and survivors of terrorism as we
mark our first ever National Day.
I know how much this day will mean to people across the country.
I encourage everyone to join us by taking some time to reflect on
the experiences of victims, survivors and all those whose lives
have been changed forever by terrorism.
We will never allow terrorism to divide us.
Head of National Counter Terrorism Policing, Laurence Taylor,
said:
Whenever I speak to survivors and victims of terrorism, I am
reminded why our work is so important. It is their experiences,
their trauma, that drives all of us at Counter Terrorism Policing
in our mission to keep people safe.
It is absolutely right that we now have a formal moment of
reflection in the national calendar, but we must never forget
that many survivors live with the impact of terrorism every day.
They are remarkable people, who deserve to be recognised for
their resilience and bravery shown in the face of unimaginable
horror.
Travis Frain OBE, survivor of the Westminster Bridge attack,
said:
I'm pleased to see this National Day for Victims and Survivors of
Terrorism come to fruition, after many hard years of campaigning.
This should be a date when we come together as a country to
remember those affected by terrorism and set our sights to the
future, to understand how we can all play our part in preventing
further radicalisation and defeating the spread of violent
extremism. It is my hope that this event will be one that we can
build on in the years to come, demonstrating clearly that the UK
stands firm in the face of terrorism.
M. Victoria Cummock, widow of John B. Cummock, killed in the
bombing of Pan Am 103 in the skies over Lockerbie, said:
We are profoundly grateful to the government for
establishing this National Day for Victims and Survivors of
Terrorism, recognising the experiences of those affected by
terror attacks both recent and historic.
Each year, it will enable people across the country to
gather in solidarity and fraternity to give voice to the hundreds
killed, remember their loved ones, and recognise the survivors
and responders whose lives were forever changed.
We take comfort knowing the Support Hub will provide
community-wide trauma-informed care, empowering us on our road to
healing and recovery. Together we can turn trauma into positive
purpose and leave a legacy that teaches the world a lesson in
humanity.
This year's commemorations come following 2 terrorist attacks in
the past 12 months at Heaton Park Synagogue and Golders Green,
and ahead of the 10th anniversaries of 5 terrorist attacks in
2017.
The National Day builds on the government's commitment to
supporting those affected by terrorism, following the launch of
its new Support Hub for
victims and survivors of terrorism on 1 June. The Support Hub
provides specialist, trauma-informed support for anyone affected
by a terrorist incident, ensuring victims can access the help
they need at any stage of their recovery.
It has already begun to provide support to victims, survivors and
those affected by terrorism, including people who have never
previously received support.
The new Support Hub operates 24/7, assigning each victim and
survivor a single point of contact for tailored,
trauma-informed support. Victims and survivors can access the
Support Hub via the website or by phone, ensuring support is
available quickly and simply when it is needed.
The government is committed to continuing to support victims and
survivors of terrorism and to developing the National Day in the
years ahead.
